Angela Rayner Hits Back at Benefit Cut Critics and Promises Brighter Future for Young Brits
Angela Rayner was in Runcorn today, speaking about Labour’s plans to build opportunities for young people amid backlash over recent benefit cuts. Visiting Palace Fields Primary Academy, one of 750 schools trialling a new government-funded breakfast club scheme, she painted a picture of a future focused on jobs, skills, and second chances.
The new breakfast club initiative, launched as part of Labour’s wider Plan for Change, is aimed at easing the burden on working families. The government says it could save parents up to £8,000 a year if children attend every school day — a major relief in a time of rising bills.
But Rayner’s visit wasn’t just about breakfast. It came as pressure mounts on Labour following sweeping welfare cuts introduced last month — changes expected to save £4.8 billion but heavily criticised by charities and campaigners. When asked about concerns from those affected, Rayner didn’t shy away.
“We’ve got one in eight young people not in employment, education or training. One in eight. That is not acceptable,” she told the Liverpool Echo. She argued that the government’s focus is on building real opportunities rather than just handing out long-term support. “We’re investing in housing, so I need construction workers, we’re investing in defence — these are big skilled jobs coming down the track.”
She made it clear that the aim isn’t to strip away support from those who need it but to shift the mindset from dependency to opportunity. “The Conservatives froze benefits — that didn’t help people. We want to protect those that need it, but also give people opportunity.”
Opening up about her own life, Rayner talked about her 17-year-old son, who has a visual impairment. “I don’t want him to be written off,” she said. “He wants an opportunity as well.”
And to those fearing immediate fallout from the cuts, she stressed: “There will always be that safety net. It was the Labour Party that created the welfare state, the NHS, that built social housing. We will make sure that safety net is there.”
Rayner also addressed the criticism coming from opposition parties, particularly as the Runcorn and Helsby by-election looms. With Reform UK expected to give Labour a run for its money, she remained confident, praising Labour candidate Karen Shore and throwing a dig at her opponents. “She’ll be here for decades to come, when the circus of Reform has disappeared out.” Despite the heat, Rayner stayed firm: “We roll our sleeves up and we get on with it.”